Animation : Sunday 14 July 2024 from 2pm

Wool spinning demonstration

Discover the ancient art of spinning wool with a live demonstration. You’ll be able to observe the transformation of raw wool into yarn and learn more about the techniques and tools used by the spinners of yesteryear. How to handle a spinning wheel.

Spinning Wool with a Spinning Wheel: An Ancient Art

Spinning wool with a spinning wheel is an ancient technique that transforms raw wool into yarn, ready to be woven or knitted. This traditional method, practised for centuries, is a true art that requires patience, dexterity and special know-how.

The Spinning Stages

The process begins with the preparation of the wool, which is cleaned and carded to disentangle and align the fibres. The spinner then uses a spinning wheel, a complex tool that transforms the carded fibres into yarn. The spinning wheel consists of a wheel, a pedal, a bobbin and a cattail. The spinner operates the pedal to turn the wheel, which drives the bobbin. The wool is then gently pulled and wound around the bobbin, creating a continuous, even thread.

The Importance of Traditional Spinning

Spinning wool with a spinning wheel is not just a means of producing yarn; it is also a practice that perpetuates cultural and craft traditions. Many communities around the world continue to spin wool in this way, promoting their heritage and unique skills. As well as producing yarns of exceptional quality, handspinning also creates unique textures and colours that are impossible to reproduce using industrial methods.

Today, spinning wool with a spinning wheel is a symbol of tradition and authenticity. This ancient practice, which has survived the ages, continues to captivate those who appreciate craftsmanship and natural materials. By rediscovering traditional spinning, we’re paying tribute to a precious skill and a culture rich in history.

Come one, come all to discover this traditional craft and share a convivial moment around our Alsatian cultural heritage.

We look forward to seeing you on this afternoon of discovery !

Event: Sunday 14 July 2024

Immerse yourself in the world of winegrowing with a presentation on traditional and modern methods of vine cultivation. This workshop will cover the key stages of viticulture, from caring for the vines to harvesting the grapes.

Growing vines

Located in the heart of Alsace, the village of Albé is famous for its rich wine-growing heritage and its commitment to traditional methods of vine cultivation. Vine-growing has been practised here for generations, and is an art passed on with passion and respect for nature and tradition.

The Viticultural History of Albé

Albé, with its favourable climate and rich soils, has been an ideal place for winegrowing for centuries. The first traces of vineyards date back to Roman times, and since then, vine-growing has evolved while retaining its ancestral techniques. The winegrowers of Albé perpetuate a unique know-how, combining traditional methods and respect for natural cycles.

Traditional techniques

Pruning the vine

Pruning is a crucial stage in traditional viticulture. Carried out in winter, it helps to control the growth of the vine and optimise the quality of the grapes. Albé winegrowers use specific techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation, guaranteeing the health and productivity of the vines.

Working the soil

The soil is worked by hand or with the help of horses, respecting the ecosystem and encouraging biodiversity. The winegrowers avoid the use of chemicals, preferring natural methods to fertilise and protect the vines.

The grape harvest

Harvesting in Albé is a time of celebration and tradition. They are carried out by hand, allowing a meticulous selection of bunches and ensuring the quality of the grapes harvested. This practice helps to produce wines with character, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.

Passing on know-how

Vine-growing in Albé is not just a profession, it’s a cultural heritage. Techniques and knowledge are passed down from generation to generation within winegrowing families. From an early age, young people are taught the precise gestures and care needed to maintain the vines and produce a quality wine.

The wines of Albé

The wines produced in Albé are renowned for their authenticity and exceptional quality. Each bottle tells the story of the region and the passionate work of the winemakers. Traditional grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir are carefully cultivated to produce wines with complex aromas and a refined taste.

The traditional craft of winegrowing in Albé is a living testimony to Alsace’s winegrowing heritage. When you visit Albé, you’ll discover not only magnificent landscapes but also men and women devoted to their craft, carrying on age-old traditions with passion.

To find out more about traditional winegrowing in Albé and discover its exceptional wines, we invite you to visit the local vineyards and meet the winegrowers, who will share their love of the trade and their unique know-how.